What is the main conflict in Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight?

This is a nonfiction, instructional text, thus, conflict is not applicable. Knight, however, makes special note that the opening situation of a story should always contain the germ of a conflict. The character has some sort of on-going problem perhaps. The progression from one situation to another is what makes the story strong. Conflict Conflict in a story creates interest and energy. If a character needs to get from point A to point B, the situation or second character stopping him is the conflict. Then the reader is engaged, rooting for the character to solve the problem and reach his destination.